Safety of using a used unit

I appreciate being able to ask this question amongst those who have been through it. I currently use a Resmed S8 Auto. Been using it for going on 8 years. I don't have great insurance and the doc was wanting me to go do new study, which is difficult enough to do any when you have general anxiety disorder. Anyway, I bought a Resmed Aircurve 10 auto set online from a party who claimed their mother never got a chance to use it before she passed and as such was new. Well, I end up getting it and low and behold the mask shows residue on it (why they didn't just toss the mask anyway is beyond me. I would never use a used mask). But the hour meter on the machine said 360, so it obviously had been used. Daughter, who when I called her out insists that the machine was new and they only showed her once briefly how to hook it up has not replied further to my prompting. So I may well be stuck with it.
I use a Soclean2 cleaner on my S9. Would this cleaner be sufficient in cleaning a used machine? Yes, I know to obviously take the humidifier and wash that out manually (I don't even have the humidifier attached on my S9). But assuming the obvious of using brand new mask and hose, would it be safe to use this machine if I run it through my ten minute cycle with the Soclean2 machine? Or are there other measures or considerations to take beyond running the ozone through it? I know I have observed some posts on here where people use a used machine. But I am just wanting to ensure I take every measure to ensure the machine is as clean as possible before using. Thanks!

When I purchased a used machine to use as a back up, I replaced the hose, water reservoir, and filter, and I wiped the surface of the machine with a sanitizing wipe. The other machine I purchased from a private party was still packed in the original manufacturer shipping box. The machine had zero hours on it, so I didn't do anything to that machine before using it. My wife used that machine for almost six months, until she got her own machine. That is now her spare machine. We have a total of four machines, all the same make and model.

I figure to replace the water tank. I would need an adapter to make the Soclean2 work with it anyway. I suppose I was just wondering about the internal mechanisms of the machine itself. As simple as they may or may not be, I would prefer to know I have done whatever I could to ensure they were properly cleaned out. Assuming I use the SoClean adapter to the humidifier tank, it would at least run the ozone through the tank, then through the machine and out through the hose and mask. Correct? If you hook it up without the water tank, it is essentially just running the ozone through the hose and back into the mask and not touching any internal components of the machine. Anyone can feel free to correct me with regards to this if I am in error. I just wanted to make sure I had the machine itself as clean as possible prior to use.

The SoClean you're using is more harmful to you (and your AirCurve), than the used machine you bought.

Use the AirCurve, throw away the SoClean.

dpartn wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 12, 2020 3:27 pm

I use a Soclean2 cleaner on my S9. Would this cleaner be sufficient in cleaning a used machine?

The soclean will *ruin* the machine.

Just do what the manual says. wipe down the outside, change the filter, and wash the water tank.

I don't mean to open a can of worms with the question... But what detriment is being caused by the cleaning machine? I understand that there is a certain belief in the negative effects of ozone in general. And I do believe that there are valid points to this. For example I wouldn't want my air purifiers in my home to have an ozone generator in them. But if one can enlighten me as to what it does to the Resmed machine... or what they believe it does, I am all ears. Again, not trying to start a debate.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/saf ... chines-and

https://www.resmed.com/epn/en/consumer/ ... ozone.html

dpartn wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:27 pm

But what detriment is being caused by the cleaning machine? I understand that there is a certain belief in the negative effects of ozone in general.

It is not *belief*, it is fact. supposed by evidence.

The negative effects of ozone on our bodies and incompatibilities of Ozone with many materials causing them to break down, is well known and understood.

So much so, that:

• FDA has documented the dangers of using ozone, especially in your home.
• ResMed will invalidate the warranty if there is evidence that ozone is the cause of damage.
• Ozone material compatibility lists are commonly published.

All of the above is readily searchable.

Fair enough. Thank you for your input.

The pap machine just moves air from the room in which it is used through itself. Most on this board dislike SoClean machines and considers them unsafe to use. I already had one before coming here and I use it sometimes. My husband uses his daily. I'm sure it would do a good job at killing any pathogens that might have been pulled into the machine in its' previous owners home. Run it, use your new mask and hose and all should be well. Whether you use the SoClean after that is up to you.

I would throw out the ozone generator and just use soap.

FWIW....the machine might have been "new" to the patient but not necessarily really new. Obviously it was used for a short period of time but sometimes the people that dispense/sell these machines to patients will sell a used machine as "new" and simply lie to the patient.
Had someone here just earlier this week who paid for new and got a machine with some hours on it. He wanted to know if real new machines came with zero hours or a few hours that might be blamed on testing or something. While we might blame a couple of hours on "testing" we can't blame hundreds of hours on testing.
So the woman's daughter might be telling you what she thinks is the truth because that is what was told to her mom.
Obviously there's no way to know for sure but before you use it you want to make sure any old data is no longer stored on the machine because it will try to mingle with your data.

There is a setting you can use to erase all prior data. It won't change the run hours but it will remove the old data.
Don't forget that you probably will also need to erase the SD Card as well...if it came with one.

As for cleaning the machine itself....I wouldn't go to any extraordinary measures beyond what is advised in the manual for cleaning.
It's specifically addressed in the manual as to how to disinfect a machine that is used by more than one person.
https://www.respshop.com/manuals/ResMed ... %20her.pdf
It also explains how to get to the setup menu area where you can erase all that old data.

If you feel better doing the SoClean....one time is unlikely to cause harm but it will be enough to nuke any remaining germs if you feel the need. I don't advise using the SoClean on a regular basis though. Not only does ResMed say it voids the warranty (if there is any warranty) but we have had people here with bits of sound insulating foam floating around in the water because it causes the foam in the blower to fall apart. Using the SoClean device can damage your machine, your mask and your lungs.

I have bought many, many used machines over the years and all I ever do is what the manual says...wipe down the outside and any areas I can reach with some sort of disinfectant and I use plain old alcohol swabs.
I change the filter and give the water chamber a really good hot water soapy wash and rinse...maybe a vinegar/water solution soak if it is a bit cloudy looking. I don't normally mess with used masks though. Most of the time it's not a mask I would want anyway but the silicone in masks just ages with time once it is open and out of the package and exposed to room air. Eventually it changes color and looks yucky (even if not used) and with time the silicone can become less easy to keep sealed or even brittle.

So read up on the cleaning instructions in the manual above...and if you still would sleep better knowing you nuked it...use the SoClean just the one time. There's really nothing inside or on the machine itself that will support or promote the growth of germs or bacteria.
Even in today's world with the covid crap if someone contaminates the outside of a machine the virus can't live very long without something to support life.